5 questions for A.D.M. Associates' Debra Robinson

Ahead of the upcoming Hotec Global conference, sponsored by Questex Hospitality (parent company of Hotel Management), several industry insiders will be sharing their insights on how the hotel sector is adjusting to new normals. Debra Robinson, VP at interior contracting and furniture, fixtures and equipment purchasing management company A.D.M. Associates, shared her thoughts on how the pandemic has affected hotel procurement and design. 

How has your segment of the industry changed since March?    

In the purchasing side, much longer lead times due to COVID. The supply chain in general in all areas has experienced a delay so everything has been harder for getting deliveries. That has been the biggest change. 

What are some trends you have seen in recent months? Do you think these trends will last? How are you adjusting to those trends? 

Our restaurant work slowed down for obvious reasons but fortunately the hotel work has continued, as well as multi-family work, so it's just shifted a bit during the present time. I think it will rebound once there is a vaccine and people feel safe again. 

How has your businesses adapted to the new normals?   

We worked remotely at first but everyone was able to stay connected with our clients and vendors and we have still been able to have vendors send samples so it's really been pretty easy to adapt. 

Have you used this time to develop new strategies for the future? If so, what have you developed?  

For the purchasing side—it's not really changed our business plans—most of our work and marketing can still go on as usual. 

What are some ways technology is helping you through this crisis?  

Zoom has been a fantastic tool allowing some of the connections that we all miss. It's great to see people's faces since we can't meet in person. 

For 20 years Hotec events have brought together senior executives of leading hotel chains, top hotel management companies, purchasing companies and interior & architectural design firms with key leading domestic and international suppliers representing innovative products and services to participate in a series of one-to-one meetings over two dedicated business days. Due to the current pandemic preventing travel in many areas, we have secured a best-in-class platform to ensure that this can continue in 2020 irrespective of location. 

Applications are still open for buyers and suppliers.

Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders ahead of Hotec Global.